THON 2026 is finally here, folks!

After months of preparation by thousands of Penn State students, the 46-hour dance marathon is back in the Bryce Jordan Center. Dancers will stand this weekend to raise money, all For The Kids.

Follow Onward State’s live coverage below and via Twitter.

Live Blog

Sunday, February 22

4:17 pm.: THE THON TOTAL IS $18,841,726.53 RAISED!

4:13 p.m.: Atlas ranks first in the Special Organzations category!

4:11 p.m.: Zeta Tau Alpha and Alpha Tau Omega rank first in Greek Orginzations donations with $551,071.22 raised!

4:10p.m.: Phi Gamma Nu slots first in general organizations with $355,117.95 raised.

4:09 p.m.: Penn State Behrend ranks first in Commonwealth Campus donations with $76,680.64.

4:08 p.m.: Independent Dancer Couple Andrew Perillo and Jorge Cuza raised $73,423.24!

4:07 p.m.: Family Relations ranks atop total committee donations.

4:00 p.m.: Congratulations, dancers! You can sit!

3:59 p.m.: Last line dance of the weekend!

3:49 p.m.: They ended by putting diamonds up!

3:47 p.m.: Sike, they’re back.

3:45 p.m.: Go Go Gadjet finishes the performance off with a “We Are” chant.

3:43 p.m.: Once again, the BJC is lit up with phone lights, this time to “Shallow” by Lady Gaga.

3:42 p.m.: The Nittany Lion is on stage with Go Go Gadjet!

3:40 p.m.: “Pompeii” by Bastille plays as we get closer to the total reveal time.

3:36 p.m.: It’s a House Party inside the BJC!

3:34 p.m.: There’s some Bieber Fever at THON right now as “Sorry” plays.

3:30 p.m.: Back to some more Taylor Swift, before switching to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.”

3:28 p.m.: It’s party time, folks. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” has brought the volume level up to a level 100 inside the BJC.

3:26 p.m.: There are plenty of Tayoir Swift fans here, for sure. “You Belong With Me” started playing, and the screams starting coming down form the crowd.

3:25 p.m.: The BJC is getting low to “Low” by Flo Rida

3:19 p.m.: The whole arena is lit up with phone flashlights as “Hey Delilah” plays.

3:17 p.m.: Everyone, and I mean everyone, has there hand up in the air, waving back and forth right now.

3:15 p.m.: The vibes at THON are insanley high right now, the BJC is going crazy right now.

3:12 p.m.: The whole BJC is singing “Mr. Brightside” word for word, pretty special feeling.

3:08 p.m.: “You Make Me Feel” has the BJC going crazy!

3:05 p.m.: Go Go Gadjet takes the stage!

2:55 p.m.: The last stretch of time has been filled with loud music, good vibes, and a line dance. Go Go Gadjet is getting ready to perform.

2:29 p.m.: The BJC is all clapping together during “Lean On Me.”

2:23 p.m.: The mics were only on part of it, but the Singing Lions’ performance has ended and closed out Family Hour. We’re getting close.

2:16 p.m.: The Singing Lions, a show choir and THON organization, are next to perform.

2:11 p.m.: Penn State junior Natalie McMahon is at center stage playing guitar and singing “Angels Among Us” now.

2:10 p.m.: The Celebration of Life video just ended. What an amazing reminder why we do it.

1:45 p.m.: The Jarrett Family’s speech has concluded. The THON 2026 Celebration of Life video is coming up. Get those tissues ready.

1:40 p.m.: An emotional Stephanie just announced Hailey’s dancing and the crowd got loud. Courtney’s other sister Tiffany also danced in 2014.

1:31 p.m.: The video has come to a close. Courtney Jarrett’s mom, Stephanie, is set to take the stage. Courtney passed away from cancer and her sister Hailey is dancing for Trilogy this year.

1:18 p.m.: It’s time for the Four Diamonds Family “Where Are They Now?” video on the big screens.

1:17 p.m.: Keaghan’s dad, Bryan, thanks everyone at THON before a loud “We Are” chant from Keaghan. Incredible

1:10 p.m.: Fourth-grader Keaghan Faulders was diagnosed with T-cell leukemia at six. On May 19, 2025, she rang the bell.

12:59 p.m.: Here comes the Keaghan Faulders Family.

12:57 p.m.: “Thank you all. We love you. FTK,” Nick said. Trevor, Devin’s younger brother, also just thanked the crowd. That was an amazing first speech of the hour.

12:50 p.m.: Pulaski said “Thank you for caring enough to make a difference” to end her speech. Her dad, Nick, has the microphone now.

12:47 p.m.: Pulaski, an 11-year-old, was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer at four, but has been cancer free since since 2018. The BJC erupted when she said that.

12:44 p.m.: The first speakers of Family Hour are from the Devin Pulaski Family and are taking the stage now.

12:42 p.m.: They’re now showing photos of Four Diamonds Families from around the world on the jumbotron.

12:33 p.m.: Chills. Tears. All the feels. This place is so loud when the Four Diamonds Kids fire up the crowd.

12:30 p.m.: The Tyler Lehman family just came out and he Simba’d his baby. This place went nuts.

12:26 p.m.: Millard-Bird just exited the stage after an “FTK” and loud applause. Some Four Diamonds families will now come out.

12:20 p.m.: Stacia Millard-Bird, daughter of Four Diamonds co-founders Charles and Irma Millard, has taken the stage to speak.

12:18 p.m.: It’s time for Family Hour.

12:09 p.m.: And we’re back to 2026!

12:04 p.m.: FTK!

12:03 p.m: 2025 Dancer Relations captains! ALL OF THE LIGHTS!

11:57 a.m.: 2024 captains! Oh, what a year it was! Big as the what?

11:56 a.m.: BJC IS BOOMIN!

11:50 a.m.: THON 2023 captains are on stage!

11:47 a.m.: Oh, NFTs, what a time that was!

11:44 a.m.: 2022 Dancer Relations captains to the stage! I feel so old.

11:41 a.m.: 2021 Dancer Relations captains on the stage!

11:30 a.m.: Line Dance time!

11:08 a.m.: DJ Temi is on stage!

11:04 a.m.: I wanna dance with Jack Hughes!

10:58 a.m.: So where’s Free Bird…

10:54 a.m.: WON’T YOU FLYYYYYYYY HIGHHHHHHHHHHH FREEEEEEEE BIRDDDDDDDDDDDD

10:49 a.m.: Who ya got in the hockey game?

10:38 a.m.: Everything will be alright!

10:33 a.m.: Photos on stage!

10:28 a.m.: Keep dancing!

10:19 a.m.: We’re loving this Fashion Show!

10:09 a.m.: Anyone watching that USA game?

10:07 a.m.: Fashion show time, folks!

9:58 a.m.: LeBron edits, a big deal!

9:55 a.m.: Keep those eyes open, it’s time to dance!

9:52 a.m.: ABC it’s as simple as 1,2,3!

9:45 a.m.: Time for THON Raffle prizes!

9:26 a.m.: Take me to your best friend’s house!

9:23 a.m: The Dark Days Are Over is bringing life back to the BJC.

9:19 a.m.: The zambonis are here. We’re excited.

9:18 a.m.: I don’t know if I’d walk 1000 miles for no classes, but I’d certainly stay up for 46 hours.

9:15 a.m.: The Hi-Fi’s are killing it.

9:13 a.m.: It’s time to feel good?

9:09 a.m.: Ted and the Hi-Fi’s just pulled up and are starting their set.

9:06 a.m.: Penn State Homecoming just announced the theme for next year’s HOCO is “With Lions Pride, Generations Thrive.”

9:00 a.m.: Superhero stretch!

8:59 a.m.: Who doesn’t love to see Neeli? We have off tomorrow, right?

8:53 a.m.: Let’s go State, feel the beat!

8:40 a.m.: Phone flashlights are on and swaying in the crowd as 3:46 Sunrise’s beautiful set comes to a close.

8:30 a.m.: And now “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5. How fitting.

8:28 a.m.: Drum solo into an encore… These guys simply have the IT factor that THON desperately needs right now.

8:21 a.m.: Creed has entered the chat.

8:09 a.m.: 3:46 Sunrise is still going strong!

8 a.m.: AND NOW DREAMS BY FLEETWOOD MAC? THON, you better give these guys a 10-year contract, I don’t care.

7:59 a.m.: FINALLY. Someone is playing alternative music at THON! 3:46 Sunrise, you have just earned a new fan.

7:57 a.m.: AND WHEN I’M BACK IN CHICAGOOOOOOOOOOO!

7:50 a.m.: We’ve got the band 3:46 Sunrise performing an electric rendition of “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters! Hits every time…

7:44 a.m.: There is some sort of word-guessing game going on the stage, but truthfully, I’m a little lost.

7:33 a.m.: Dancer relations captains are taking the stage!

7:25 a.m.: Penn State’s branch campus THON organization has taken the stage to share stories and gratitude.

7:22 a.m.: Thanks, Whiplash, for getting “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake stuck in my head.

7:18 a.m.: One of our staffers has come back to press row with a Chickie & Pete’s cheesesteak. Interesting breakfast choice…

7:07 a.m.: Whiplash is movin’ and groovin’ to some Justin Timberlake.

7:04 a.m.: JaDhoom passes the sticks to Whiplash, Penn State’s all-girls Hip Hop dance team.

7:01 a.m.: Yeah, this is fire. These student dance groups never disappoint!

6:58 a.m.: Joe Downs exits, South Asian fusion dance team, JaDhoom, enters.

6:56 a.m.: There’s an argument to be made that Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” might be the greatest song of all time.

6:52 a.m.: Joe Downs is a man of many talents. He’s currently alternating between singing and kazooing while playing the keyboard. Very impressive stuff!

6:50 a.m.: Penn State senior Joe Downs is here to perform in his fourth straight THON!

6:43 a.m.: It’s unclear what is coming next in the THON program, but it feels like some quiet time.

6:41 a.m.: That’s a wrap on Low Hanging Fruit.

6:36 a.m.: Playa Bowls are now being served as the ninth dancer meal of the weekend.

6:18 a.m.: Low Hanging Fruit is here to bring us into the waking hours.

6:10 a.m.: Dancer Relations captains take the stage again. Didn’t we just do this?

5:34 a.m.: Thank you, Adam and the Armadillos!

5:28 a.m.: Revival by Zach Bryan seems more than appropriate to plan at THON Weekend.

5:22 a.m.: It wouldn’t be Wild West Hour without Chicken Fry.

5:14 a.m.: Country road, take me home.

5:05 a.m.: Adam and the Armadillos led the BJC crowd in a classic WE ARE chant!

4:58 a.m.: Maybe we all should have been cowboys.

4:52 a.m.: The BJC is enjoying Something Like That by Tim McGraw.

4:47 a.m.: Some dancers are sporting cowboy hats on the floor!

4:44 a.m.: Welcome to the stage Adam and the Armadillos!

Snow is falling outside, and Adam and the Armadillos are jamming on the stage inside.

This. Is. Penn State.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 22, 2026

4:41 a.m.: The final theme hour is announced as “Wild West.”

4:34 a.m.: New and multicultural organization appreciation is taking place on stage!

4:27 a.m.: It’s line dance time! I would say to get on your feet, but you are already standing.

4:24 a.m.: Is it Dr. Pepper or Pepsi?

4:19 a.m.: It’s time for “Guess the Pepsi Product” with THON Hospitality captains.

4:09 a.m: Up next is the dance group, Rêve!

4:03 a.m.: Welcome to the stage the dance group, Caliente!

4:00 a.m.: A tie only means one thing… rock, paper, scissors.

3:57 a.m.: Time to exercise your brain with some THON Trivia.

3:47 a.m.: Boogie Woogie Stretch!

3:45 a.m.: Feeling thirsty? Well, good, because it’s Water Social time!

3:20 a.m.: Mandatory stretch time.

3:12 a.m.: It is time to play everyone’s favorite game…guessing THON Merch prices!

3:04 a.m.: Dancer Relation captains to the stage!

2:57 a.m.: Thank you Sarasota!

2:52 a.m.: One last song for Sarasota…and of course it’s Don’t Stop Believing!

2:50 a.m.: Crazy guitar action going on right now.

2:39 a.m.: Take back what I said, Dancing Queen by ABBA is THE perfect song for THON Weekend.

2:32 a.m.: Next up is Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen…. the perfect song for THON Weekend.

Hang in there, dancers.

Don't stop me now, cause I'm having a good time.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 22, 2026

2:26 a.m.: It seems like an Oasis song is just what the BJC needed right now.

2:24 a.m.: DON’T LOOK BACK IN ANGER!

2:20 a.m.: When Sarasota tells you to make some noise for THON, you make some noise for THON.

2:11 a.m.: Tongue Tied has the BJC stands rocking.

2:04 a.m.: BJC, I want YOU back!

1:59 a.m.: The band opens with Sweet Child O’Mine. The BJC is MOVING!

1:58 a.m.: Sarasota takes the stage!

1:57 a.m.: A band is setting up on stage.

1:54 a.m.: These dancers are really good at guessing, they went 3/3!

1:50 a.m.: It’s time for “What’s in the Bag?”!

1:46 a.m.: Grab your wattle bottle, it’s time for a water social!

1:39 a.m.: It’s time for another line dance!

1:35 a.m.: Otterson leaves the stage!

1:32 a.m.: Greek orgs waving their letters high to be featured on the jumbotron.

1:25 a.m.: KPOP DEMON HUNTERS!

1:19 a.m.: How many zambonis does it take to mop the BJC floor? Four, apparently.

Mopping in progress

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 22, 2026

1:15 a.m.: California Girls by Katy Perry is always a crowd favorite.

1:12 a.m.: Greek letters are moving extra fast for Otterson’s dj set right now.

1:11 a.m.: The mini-zambonis are out for floor cleaning!

1:08 a.m.: It’s Cotton Eye Joe time.

1:07 a.m.: The entire BJC was ready for that beat drop.

1:04 a.m.: Otterson has the whole BJC doing the marcarena.

1:01 a.m.: WE ARE PENN STATE REMIX!

12:59 a.m.: Otterson takes the stage!

12:59 a.m.: A table is being set up on stage. Any guesses on what is up next?

12:50 a.m.: Atlas takes the stage..in their fuzzy pink bucket hats of course!

12:34 a.m.: What is John Pork?

12:33 a.m.: SIXXXX SEVENNNN

12:32 a.m.: Tung Tung Tung Sahur!

12:31 a.m.: Ballerina Cappuccina!

12:30 a.m.: Guess that brain rot!

12:24 a.m.: Tapestry Dance Company movin’ and groovin’!

12:18 a.m.: Penn State Lyrical Line bringing the juice.

12:13 a.m.: Slow down, you’re doing fine.

12:06 a.m.: Pennharmonics keeping us awake with a great performance!

Saturday, February 21

11:58 p.m.: Captains, to the stage!

11:52 p.m.: Keep up the energy!

11:33 p.m.: OH OH OH OH OH OHHHH

11:25 p.m.: Look on the stage!

11:15 p.m.: Do you believe in life after love?

11:08 p.m.: The bass player’s hat is hilarious.

11:00 p.m.: Noah Richardson takes the stage!

10:50 p.m.: It’s Dance Line time, again!

10:29 p.m.: It’s Line Dance time!

10:26 p.m.: Tables are being set up on the floor, and dancers will be eating shortly.

10:24 p.m.: Thank you, DJ Yemi, for a great set!

10:19 p.m.: Elsa & Anna transitioned into the ‘We Are Penn State’ chant wasn’t on my THON bingo card.

10:15 p.m.: DJ Yemi is still rocking the BJC! He’s got the crowd engaged and capping.

9:34 p.m.: DJ Yemi has taken the BJC stage!

9:29 p.m.: The BJC is slowly emptying out after Pep Rally.

9:23 p.m.: Guess what time it is? Line Dance time!

9:20 p.m.: It’s time for the Penn State Alma Mater.

9:18 p.m.: And the winner is… men’s soccer!!

9:15 p.m.: THON has raised 100% of its Pep Rally fundraising goal!

9:13 p.m.: And now it’s time for men’s gymnastics to perform again! It all comes down to this, folks.

9:11 p.m.: Men’s soccer is back on stage performing a second time!

9:10 p.m.: The finalists are men’s gymnastics and men’s soccer!

9:09 p.m.: Sweet Caroline break, folks!

9:07 p.m.: Dance takes the stage. What a performance to follow up men’s gymnastics! Another roar of approval from the BJC crowd.

9:04 p.m.: Olympic gold medalist Stephen Nedoroscik just appeared on the big screen with a message for THON!

9:02 p.m.: Men’s gymnastics is on the stage! They just did a whole bunch of flips! Biggest applause of the night from the BJC crowd so far!

8:58 p.m.: THON has raised 70% of its Pep Rally fundraising goal so far!

8:56 p.m.: Women’s hockey is on the stage! They are without gold-medalist Tessa Janecke. A message played of the screen afterwards from the captain.

The BJC just booed Drew Allar on the Jumbotron.

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 22, 2026

8:53 p.m.: A message from Drew Allar just played on the Jumbotron… and he was boo’ed.

8:52 p.m.: Football just took the stage, everyone’s hitting the hesiman pose!

8:50 p.m.: Messages from Katie Feeney & Tyler Warren just played on the Jumbotron.

8:48 p.m.: Women’s soccer is taking the stage! Dancer Mackenzie Gress takes center stage with her team!

8:44 p.m.: Back to the main event, Pep Rally!

8:38 p.m.: Time for a Line Dance break!

8:37 p.m.: THON has raised 20% of its Pep Rally fundraising goal so far!

8:35 p.m.: Women’s field hockey is on stage, folks! The worm is being done on stage! Dancer Ella Jennes is on stage with her team!

8:34 p.m.: FEINNNNN!

8:33 p.m.: A message from Sue Paterno just played on the big screen.

8:31 p.m.: Men’s Soccer has hit the stage in full uniform, and they are doing Rocket-style leg kicks right now! Dancer Freddie Bell is on stage with his squad.

8:30 p.m.: Messages from women’s & men’s lacrosse played on the Jumbotron since both teams are not able to be here.

8:28 p.m.: We’re kicking off Pep Rally with last year’s Pep Rally winner, women’s volleyball.

8:25 p.m.: THON’s fundraiser and finance directors are on stage.

8:23 p.m.: Judges for tonight’s pep rally are being announced.

8:20 p.m.: Matt Campbell is on stage!

8:19 p.m.: Trace McSorley has arrived on stage!

8:16 p.m.: The THON 2026 Pep Rally hosts are Juwan & Chanen Johnson!

8:10 p.m.: BJC, are you ready for THON Pep Rally?

8:10 p.m.: The Nittany Lion just did 46 one-handed pushups!

8:09 p.m.: The Nittany Lion is firing up the BJC with his crowd control! First the left side, then the right, and then the whole BJC together!

8:08 p.m.: Penn State cheerleading has taken the stage! “FTK! FTK” chats are circling around the BJC!

8:06 p.m: He is given a second chance, this time for $2,000… and he missed again.

8:05 p.m.: One student has the chance to hit a 26-foot put for $1,000… and he misses really bad.

The Blue Band is on stage for THON 2026’s Pep Rally pre show! pic.twitter.com/tQtP5SUNzq

— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 22, 2026

8:03 p.m.: The Blue Band is kicking off the Pep Rally pre-show!

8:00 p.m.: Blue Sapphire is on the stage. ‘Let’s go State!’ is being chanted throughout the arena.

8:00 p.m.: It’s Pep Rally time!

7:54 p.m.: It is Line Dance time!

7:52 p.m.: The wave is going around the BJC right now!

7:51 p.m.: The football team is on the floor!

7:42 p.m.: The BJC is clapping along to “Baby Your A Firework.”

7:35 p.m.: Zombie Nation has the whole BJC chanting in unison!

7:34 p.m.: Dancers are moving around in a big circle on the floor to keep their legs loose.

7:29 p.m.: The Blue Band has made its way to the floor at the BJC!

7:25 p.m.: “Eye of the Tiger” has the BJC jumping before Pep Rally!

7:22 p.m.: Penn State alum Steve Frisson is taking the stage right now!

7:10 p.m.: Line Dance time!

7:07 p.m.: The BJC has turned into a sea of white ahead of tonight’s Pep Rally.

The THON 2026 Kids' Talent Show delivered!!

With lots of dances, songs, and the famous lightsaber battle, the BJC was booming!https://t.co/EH8sJoKHLb

— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 22, 2026

6:52 p.m.: That’s the end of the kid’s talent show, folks!

6:47 p.m.: Braeden, Troy, and Easton Fleagle are bringing friendship to the BJC with “Friend Like Me” from “Aladdin.”

6:43 p.m.: Celia Cosentino is singing “Count On Me.”

6:40 p.m.: Nevaeh Risser is serenading the crowd with “Pretty Little Baby.”

6:38 p.m.: Aleia Moe is doing gymastics across the stage!

6:35 p.m.: Maya Hein shared her digital art on the Jumbotron.

6:31 p.m.: Ellie Bonn and her “Just Dance” version of “Waka Wake (This Time For Africa)” has the whole BJC dancing along.

6:29 p.m.: Mario Ouardi took the stage for a rendition of “Hey Baby.”

6:27 p.m.: Shiloh Crimmel is dancing with her paired org, the Penn State Lionettes.

6:26 p.m.: Linaya Shadel and her amazing drawing of a horse were shown on the Jumbotron.

6:22 p.m.: Levi and Christian Krodel have returned to the stage for their famous Star Wars lightsaber fight. Levi won!

6:21 p.m.: THE LIGHTSABER FIGHT IS BACK!!

6:20 p.m.: There is a Lorax on the stage! (And her name is Ella Wickenheiser!)

6:17 p.m.: Go Birds? Christopher Franco is on the jumbotron, performing a mash up of the Eagles Fight Song and “La Cucuracha.”

6:12 p.m.: Time for Carly Wilfong and her dance to the theme of “Space Jam!”

6:10 p.m.: Penny Ciancaglini is break dancing!

6:04 p.m.: Mina Horan is on stage in a pink, sequin outfit to sing “Don’t Stop The Music.” The BJC immediately started clapping and dancing.

6:01 p.m.: Georgia Bombgardener is playing her violin.

5:59 p.m.: Hailey Dougherty is up for the talent show, reading a powerful message she wrote about cancer.

5:53 p.m.: Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?

5:36 p.m.: Line Dance!

5:35 p.m.: Hydration break!

5:23 p.m.: Bye, Josh Jams. Time for a capella group Coda Conduct.

5:15 p.m.: “Send Me On My Way” is up!

5:14 p.m.: Josh Jams is on stage for beach theme hour!

4:58 p.m.: Chicken jockey!

4:55 p.m.; Dancer relations captains back on stage!

4:51 p.m.: The Nittany Lion’s back, sporting the beach theme!

4:48 p.m.: Time for the superhero stretch!

4:45 p.m.: Don’t let your LED lights die!

4:39 p.m.: Time to dance!

4:34 p.m.: Here’s the thing we started out friends.

4:30 p.m.: Nothing beats a Jet2 holiday!

4:25 p.m.: Dancer meal six is being served. With your choice of pasta, chicken or meatballs, salad or cookies!

4:18 p.m.: Dancer relations captains to the stage!

4:09 p.m.: Simon says…stretch!

3:50 p.m.: “Home” by Good Neighbours is bumping over the speakers. Great tune.

3:42 p.m.: Donny Burns & The Third Degree are closing their rotation with “Iris.”

3:32 p.m.: These guys only have a couple songs left, so they went with “Free Bird.” Of course.

3:14 p.m.: There goooeees my herooooo!

3:08 p.m.: The BJC is rockin’!

3:06 p.m.: They finished mopping, if you were wondering.

3:00 p.m.: Life is a highwayyyyy!

2:52 p.m.: Donny Burns & The 3rd Degree set the stage on fire.

2:46 p.m.: Time for the line dance!

2:36 p.m.: Do you need a license to drive the floor scrubbers?

2:32 p.m.: The mops have reached the stage.

2:26 p.m.: Shoutout to all the moppers.

2:23 p.m.: Aaaand they’re still mopping.

2:03 p.m.: Time for awards.

1:54 p.m.: Hospitality wants you to know: You should stay hydrated and fed!

1:49 p.m.: Whiplash with a “HUMBLE.” showing.

1:42 p.m.: Island Fever brings the heat to the dance floor.

1:41 p.m.: UDT brings the beat, giving the BJC a boost.

1:36 p.m.: Urban Dance Troupe takes the stage.

1:33 p.m.: Another line dance has come and gone.

1:14 p.m.: Won’t you flyyyy hiiiiiighhhh, freeeeee birrrrdddddd.

1:07 p.m.: The dancer pageant just came to a close. Congratulations to the winner, Ryan Kovach!

12:51 p.m.: The fifth annual dancer pageant is in full swing.

12:45 p.m.: You are the dancing queeeeennn.

12:35 p.m.: Dancer meal No. 5 is ready to go! Build your own Roots bowls are being served.

12:31 p.m.: We just hit another line dance and now it’s time for a performance from the Penn State Thespian Society.

12:02 p.m.: Star Wars music is blaring to get another hour started.

11:45 a.m.: Lissi’s three-song set brings the alumni performances to an end!

11:36 a.m.: Lissi Mae Przybys is coming through with the lovely vocals.

11:27 a.m.: Now comes Mikey Flynn, also on the guitar.

11:20 a.m.: Penn State alumnus Zack Yaros has taken the stage with a guitar to deliver a Noah Kahn cover.

11:07 a.m.: More committee photos.

11:03 a.m.: Alma Mater!

10:57 a.m.: The Dance Marathon Alumni Interest Group is introducing six alumni dancers!

10:56 a.m.: Ryan Jones, the interim CEO of the Penn State Alumni Association, has some words on inspiration for the crowd.

10:52 a.m.: It’s time for the THON alumni celebration!

10:39 a.m.: The third round of donors is getting trimmed up.

10:35 a.m.: The second round of donors has made their way onto the stage.

10:31 a.m.: Stylists have begun cutting hair!

10:27 a.m.: Hair Donation time.

10:23 a.m.: More stage photo-ops!

10:15 a.m.: Dancer Relations Captains make a return to the stage at the Bryce Jordan Center.

10:03 a.m.: Greek Sing winners Alpha Xi Delta and Delta Upsilon are performing their dance!

9:57 a.m.: Dancer meal No. 4! Bagels, fruit, and a build-your-own yogurt bar.

9:48 a.m.: Dancer Gabrielle Heidorn is on stage to share her childhood cancer journey.

9:33 a.m.: Greek Council Presidents are on the stage.

9:26 a.m.: Time for a family meal and some caricatures on the floor!

9:17 a.m.: Cup stacking competition!

9:15 a.m.: Red solo cups have been placed on the stage floor. Not sure why.

9:08 a.m.: It’s Superhero Stretch time!

9:06 a.m.: Happy birthday!

9:04 a.m.: THON merch shoutout!

8:57 a.m.: It’s time for another Line Dance!

8:53 a.m.: “Iris” to close out My Zero Hero’s set!

8:52 a.m.: Put your hands in the air!

8:51 a.m.: “All I Do Is Win” has the letters in the stands dancing.

8:48 a.m.: Any One Tree Hill fans in here? “I Don’t Want to Be” rocks the stage!

8:47 a.m.: “Live Your Life”, BJC!

8:43 a.m.: “Fight On, State” into “Seven Nation Army” is a great pull, My Zero Hero.

8:41 a.m.: We have “Fireworks” in the BJC!

8:36 a.m.: Make some noise for Joe on the drums!

8:34 a.m.: If you’re feeling good, scream woah!

8:32 a.m.: We aren’t “Locked Out of Heaven” here!

8:29 a.m.: “You Belong With Me” lights up the BJC!

8:28 a.m.: We’re feeling great, My Hero Zero!

8:26 a.m.: We have “OMG” playing to continue this party!

8:23 a.m.: My Hero Zero has us falling for “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.”

8:21 a.m.: “I Gotta Feeling” to set the tone for the day!

8:19 a.m.: It’s not quite Sunday, but “Sunday Morning” is a vibe.

8:18 a.m.: Shout out to Joe for the drum intro!

8:14 a.m.: “Mr. Brightside” is rocking the BJC!

8:11 a.m.: The band is now singing “What Makes You Beautiful” to get this crowd dancing.

8:08 a.m.: Bringing some Justin Bieber to the BJC!

8:06 a.m.: We’re just here to have fun, folks!

8:05 a.m.: Some technical issues in the BJC. The mic is not on.

8:04 a.m.: The band is now singing “a magical song for a magical weekend” with “Fireflies.”

8:03 a.m.: Time for “Complicated!”

8:00 a.m.: New hour! The band is now playing “My House.”

7:58 a.m.: We got some air horn happening in the BJC, folks.

7:55 a.m.: Time for My Hero Zero! The band has taken the stage with “Everytime We Touch.”

7:50 a.m.: Guess the 2000’s sound effect has begun, but these are way too easy. Everybody knows the Wii startup sound.

7:45 a.m.: Mail call! Get your packages, dancers.

7:35 a.m.: Guess the 2000’s TV show theme song has started.

7:31 a.m.: The first THON 2026 Theme Hour has begun: Y2K!

7:23 a.m.: The ShowTwirlers have taken the stage and are twirling away!

7:20 a.m.: ZYRTEN just mixed “We R Who We R” by Kesha into “Wild Ones” by Flo Rida and Sia, and I’m feeling more awake than ever.

7:15 a.m.: Be right back, changing my alarm to “Telephone” by Lady Gaga.

7:08 a.m.: *Rihanna voice* “WHEREEEEEE HAVE YOUUUUU BEEN???”

7:05 a.m.: ZYRTEN has started her set.

7 a.m.: Another DJ set is being pieced together.

6:50 a.m.: The audience has spoken! Contestant #2 has taken round one!

6:46 a.m.: A blindfolded painting challenge? Interesting.

6:38 a.m.: Say cheese! Committees are taking group photos on the stage.

6:34 a.m.: A THON 5K montage is being shown on the Jumbotron. Man, that feels like just yesterday…

6:31 a.m.: The cleaning cart operator is jamming out to some old school rock music.

6:22 a.m.: Dancers are being smushed to both sides of the floor while the middle section gets scrubbed clean.

6:11 a.m.: A Hot Ones-style challenge is being played on stage, and the thought of eating ghost pepper chicken this early is nauseating.

6:07 a.m.: The cleaning carts are out and looking extra Zamboni-y. Very reminiscent of Pegula.

6:05 a.m.: “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth is playing. Can the BJC just play the entire Shrek movie on the Jumbotron?

5:59 a.m.: The floor is starting to be cleared ahead of it being mopped.

5:53 a.m.: “Dancing Queen” is playing, giving off great vibes just before the clock strikes 6 a.m. at the BJC.

5:46 a.m.: Time to hydrate!

5:40 a.m.: Guess what? Line Dance time!

5:39 a.m.: An announcement was just made that floor mopping will start in one hour.

5:30 a.m.: FlavorWave goes out with a bang!

5:10 a.m.: FlavorWave plays “Scar Tissue” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and an immediate gasp comes from the crowd. Safe to say these guys are putting on a good show.

4:58 a.m.: It’s just before 5 a.m. at the BJC, and FlavorWave is still holding it down!

4:42 a.m.: FlavorWave takes the stage and starts with “This Side Of Paradise.” Classic.

4:37 a.m.: Dancers 201-250 are being served waffles, pancakes, fruit, and overnight oats. Chow time!

4:27 a.m.: It’s time for the Oreo Roll challenge. Dancers must roll the Oreo into the glass of milk at the other end of the table.

4:26 a.m.: Dancer mail is now being handed out on the floor!

4:20 a.m.: It’s time for another Line Dance! Allow me to re-introduce myself!

4:18 a.m.: Lynch’s team takes the match, and there was a little post-win celebration from Lynch!!

4:17 a.m.: Lynch’s team is making a strong comeback. He may take them to the promise land.

4:14 a.m.: This game may take a long time; it seems like you need to win rock, paper, scissors at least 10 times to take it down.

4:10 a.m.: Hula Hoop x Rock, Paper, Scissors time, featuring Onward State’s very own Jamie Lynch!

4:03 a.m.: Line Dance complete, killed it in fact.

3:57 a.m.: It’s Line Dance time!

3:55 a.m.: Hazen’s set has come to a close.

3:50 a.m.: Hazen is still going strong, delivering banger after banger to keep everyone awake.

3:29 a.m.: Student DJ Ryan Hazen has the graveyard shift jumping.

3:16 a.m.: Water social time. Drink that water!

3:13 a.m.: I am still searching for Waldo.

3:11 a.m.: Where is Waldo? at the BJC.

3:05 a.m.: It’s that time again, folks, Line Dance time!

2:42 a.m.: Stretching it out at the BJC latenight.

2:30 a.m.: It’s ‘Who knows their co-IDC better?’ time!

2:28 a.m.: We are back after the Line Dance!

2:19 a.m.: Dancer messages playing on the screen!

2:02 a.m.: LET’S GET STRETCHING

1:49 a.m.: The first independent dance couple (IDC) has been introduced! Let’s go, Colby & Erika!

1:42 a.m.: It’s Line Dance time! Who’s calling my phone?

1:41 a.m.: After an hour-long performance, Honey Pie has finished. What a set!

1:38 a.m.: It’s Pink Pony Club time!

1:34 a.m.: The whole BJC singing “Stand By Me” in unison at past 1:30 a.m. is beautiful.

1:32 a.m.: All of the frat letters are still bobbing up and down.

1:23 a.m.: His eyes were like mine. Any guesses who?

1:20 a.m.: Honey Pie is still going strong!

1:12 a.m.: “Do It Again” by Steely Dan has the BJC active.

1:07 a.m.: A moment for Dolly Parton.

1:03 a.m. Buh buh buh Benny and the Jets

12:45 a.m.: The band is playing their rendition of “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac.

12:41 a.m.: Honey Pie takes the stage. They are a band blending rock, pop, Americana, and roots.

12:37 a.m.: Both teams tied trivia, so everyone is a winner tonight.

12:32 a.m.: THON trivia is taking place on the stage.

12:22 a.m.: Back to a cappella, this time it’s Shades of Blue, Penn State’s premiere co-ed a cappella group.

12:18 a.m.: Penn State Dance Alliance takes the stage to “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna.

12:12 a.m.: Line Dance time!

12:05 a.m.: Savor Faire, Penn State’s all-female a cappella group, is energizing the late-night crowd.

12:00 a.m.: It has struck midnight at the BJC!

Friday, February 20

11:59 p.m.: Nittany Dance Project takes the stage just before midnight.

11:55 p.m.: Ella Seebacher is yodeling on stage!

11:49 p.m.: Orchesis Dance Company has taken the stage and is performing to a Justin Bieber mashup.

11:40 p.m.: The word was Roller Coaster, and the contestant got in on the second try with the hint being “Hershey Park”.

11:38 p.m.: Guess the word is being played.

11:30 p.m.: Hydration break!

11:28 p.m.: A Sunday Night Football introduction video is playing on the Jumbotron, with different committee leaders introducing themselves, their roles, and hometowns, similar to how players do on NBC broadcasts.

11:24 p.m.: DJ Tuna is cranking “Kernkraft 4000”!

11 p.m.: DJ Tuna is still going strong.

10:52 p.m.: Star Wars characters are now roaming the event level.

10:42: Time for dancer snacks! This time, they’re getting buffalo wild wings and tater tots!

10:27 p.m.: THON’s ‘best DJ’ has taken the stage, DJ Tuna!

10:24 p.m.: “Since You’ve Been Gone” has the stands in a frenzy!

10:18 p.m.: Stretching time to “Hold My Hand” by Jess Glynne, the BJC is rocking!

10:10 p.m.: It’s Line Dance time again, folks.

9:58 p.m.: One last song! The BJC is going crazy for “Handclap!!”

9:55 p.m.: According to the band, there are still a few songs left! Time for “Let Yourself Free.”

9:52 p.m.: The band is singing “All The Feels.” Time to dream with them!

9:49 p.m.: Time for “The Walker.”

9:46 p.m.: Heading into the final stretch with “Umbrella.”

9:42 p.m.: The BJC is lit up for “I Just Wanna Shine”

9:39 p.m.: “Man On The Moon” is next up.

9:36 p.m.: Michael Fitzpatrick is a certified mama’s boy. He said his mama didn’t raise no “Fool.”

9:32 p.m.: “Ruin The Night” is playing, but I think this concert is doing the opposite.

9:29 p.m.: Time for “Head Up High.”

9:24 p.m.: “OUT OF MY LEAGUE” IS PLAYING

9:23 p.m.: The BJC is “swaying!”

9:19 p.m.: Time for “MoneyGrabber.”

9:16 p.m.: The band is singing “Heaven” now, and we feel like we’re there in the BJC!

9:14 p.m.: The BJC is going crazy for some insane saxophone, folks.

9:13 p.m.: We got a sing-along now!

9:12 p.m.: The band and the BJC have some “Good Intentions!”

9:07 p.m.: “123456” is up next.

9:01 p.m.: “OCD” is the first song on the set list.

8:57 p.m.: Fits and the Tantrums have taken the stage! Let’s boogie, y’all!

8:55 p.m.: NATIONAL ACT TIME!

8:35 p.m.: Daaaaancer Relations captains to the stage!

8:34 p.m.: The blue car has emerged victorious!

8:32 p.m.: We’ve got a car race in the stands! Folks are handing along a cutout of a car around the bowl of the BJC while the Mario Kart theme song plays.

8:25 p.m.: DJ Konde’s transition into “Latch” by Sam Smith has the BJC surging. Folks are waving their phone lights to the beat.

8:17 p.m.: Ok, this is electric. Get DJ Konde to Coachella right now.

8:08 p.m.: Student DJ Konde has taken the stage, starting with “Clarity” by Zedd, a crowd favorite here at THON.

8:02 p.m.: The THON raffle committee just threatened to give away Philadelphia Eagles tickets.

7:57 p.m.: We’ve got a DJ stand being set up. Oonts oonts oonts oonts!

7:45 p.m.: Carb up, dancers! Dancer Meal #1 is being served, consisting of pasta, bread, and cookies.

7:37 p.m.: It’s time for Kids Mail Call!

7:30 p.m.: The fan cam is scrolling through the Bryce Jordan Center to each section. Plenty of Greek letters in the crowd, per usual.

7:27 p.m.: A United States servicewoman just surprised a young child on stage. What a reaction from everyone involved.

7:20 p.m.: Dancer Relations Captains are back on the stage!

7:19 p.m.: Folks on stage are signing “Happy Birthday” to the crowd. Hope everyone has a great birthday on day one of THON 2026.

7:17 p.m.: Maddie and Ashley are battling it out on stage. First game of THON 2026 is in the books.

7:08 p.m.: Two contestants have made their way to the stage to play a game of what does each person have.

7:01 p.m.: Miss Pennsylvania 2025 has taken the stage during the special guests portion of the program. Miss Pennsylvania is a Penn State Wilkes-Barre graduate

6:55 p.m.: The second Line Dance is underway! Now let’s apply everything we learned, folks.

6:44 p.m.: THON Line Dance 101 is over! We’re basically all experts now.

6:28 p.m.: THON Line Dance 101 continues.

"There's a car in Trader Joe's" pic.twitter.com/LmmeT9qS2d

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) February 20, 2026

6:16 p.m.: A few members of the Dancer Relations Committee have taken the stage for some Line Dance tutorials.

6:15 p.m.: six minutes later, and that’s a wrap on the first Line Dance.

6:09 p.m.: DANCER RELATIONS CAPTAINS TO THE STAGE!!!

6:06 p.m.: The crowd is singing along to some music, eagerly awaiting the first Line Dance of THON Weekend.

6:00 p.m.: The dancers are STANDING!

5:58 p.m.: The Nittany Lion is here to pump up the crowd.

5:55 p.m.: The Executive Directors of THON 2026 are now getting their moment on stage.

5:50 p.m.: The opening acts of THON 2026 are finished! It’s almost time, folks.

5:44 p.m.: Urban Dance Troupe is here to rock the stage.

5:39 p.m.: There are still plenty of people making their way into the BJC. The crowd is still filling up with just over 20 minutes to go until dancers stand.

5:30 p.m.: Thirty minutes till Dancers STAND!

5:25 p.m.: The Statesmen, Penn State’s only male acapella group, is here to perform the National Anthem.

5:21 p.m.: The dancers are nearly ready to take a stand!

5:16 p.m.: The executive director of Four Diamonds has taken the stage.

5:08 p.m.: Onward State’s Twitter looks a little different this year, folks. Introducing THONwardState OnwardStSports for live updates all weekend long. Thanks, Elon Musk, your social media app sucks.

Welcome to Onward State’s coverage of THON 2026!

For full coverage this year follow along with our live update account @OnwardStSports. pic.twitter.com/ynqBa7jtf6

— Onward State (@OnwardState) February 20, 2026

5:05 p.m.: Welcome to the stage, Ezra Nanes, the Mayor of State College! As per THON tradition, the mayor has declared State College the “City of THON” for the duration of the weekend.

4:55 p.m.: Dancers have arrived at the Bryce Jordan Center, folks! Welcome to THON 2026, “Love Leads Forward” and Onward State’s coverage all weekend long.